Page 43 - Seniors Today June2020

the overwhelming odds and unbelievable
temperatures they were fighting against, one
can only imagine the motivation and spirits
they were in.
Finally on the dawn of 18 November
the attack was launched by the Chinese
hordes. As expected the Battle of Chushul
was fought at the Rezang La and the
adjacent Gurung hill. Wave after wave
of Chinese soldiers kept coming and all
ranks of the 118 Kumaon regiment fought
very bravely. Intense artillery shelling
from the Chinese could not dampen their
morale, but it was known beforehand that
it would be akin to fighting with one hand
behind the back. Though the Indian were
again outnumberedby atleast ten times,
the troops did not lose their nerve. The
fight on their hands gave a new meaning
to last man to last bullet – but after they Monument to glory
exhausted their ammunition they fought The Battle of Gurung Hill is no less covered
hand to hand. Major Shaitan Singh, the with glory where the Gorkhas were tasked.
company commander – true to his name Famous for their hand to hand combat with
gave hell to the Chinese. Unfortunately Khukhris they fought like demons, but
the Battle of Rezangla was over that same again overall numerical superiority of the
evening and that of Gurung Hill the next Chinese was just too much. Similar battles
day. Having given up positions, the rear were fought at Camel Back feature with very
guard troops retreated to save Chushul. It similar results. In hindsight I am sure the
was only possible to collect our gallant dead troops sorely missed having strong artillery
troops in February 1963, and those who back up and who knows that the results may
went to collect them say that each soldier’s have been quite different. Just like the battle
body was found in a combat position of Rezang La, military awards and honours
holding/ firing their weapons with multiple were given to many who fought.
wounds. Many were bayoneted as their Maggar Hill was another feature where our
own ammunition was exhausted. From a artillery gave a bloody nose to the Chinese,
total of 118, only four managed to return and although could not gain any further
alive. Atleast one ParamVir Chakra, eight ground we consolidated on our position.
Vir Chakras and four Sena Medals were The Chinese had a much heavier price to
awarded all posthumously (except for four). pay with at least 4–5 times casualties. By
A monument to the memory to this battle now the first round had been squarely in
has now been constructed at Chushul. China’s favour and positions were quickly
erected for the second round expecting them
to further gain ground. For some reason

SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #12 | JUNE 2020 43